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Johannesburg - Lonwabo Tsotsobe made a rapid impact in his first Cricket World Cup game with three wickets, but the left-armer said he will be content to return to the bench after his man of the match performance in South Africa's victory over Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.
"It's very good to know that when players need to sit out, we have guys on the bench who can do the job. I feel very chuffed and even if I don't play the next game, it doesn't matter because I'm still part of the tournament," Tsotsobe said after taking three for 14 in five overs and destroying the Bangladesh top-order.
Tsotsobe was plucked off the bench as South Africa rested fast bowling spearheads Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, and the fountain of wickets kept flowing as he took his tally to 24 in his last 11 ODIs.
The 27-year-old will certainly head into the quarterfinals with his confidence restored, having admitted that he has been struggling to lift himself without game time.
"It hasn't been easy, but I've been working hard in the nets. Playing wakes me up and now I'm going to work harder each day," Tsotsobe said.
The pace bowler will be uppermost in Graeme Smith's thoughts if South Africa do decide to change their three spinners + an extra batsman policy.
"It's been very difficult leaving out Lopsy, especially because of how very well he has performed for us recently. But it's been a tactical decision, based on the type of pitch and who we're playing against," Smith explained.
The Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch did not have much pace, but Tsotsobe said he still enjoyed bowling on it, and he reaped the rewards of sticking to a very good length.
"There's not too much bounce, but if you put your back into it and hit the right areas, then you will get something out. Sometimes the ball bounces, other times it keeps low, it can be a bit two-paced. It's enjoyable bowling on it," Tsotsobe said.
